Crack Tracks: Feeding Your EDM Addiction

Published: April 9, 2014

By: Jordan Calvano

Crack Tracks: Feeding Your EDM Addiction - Volume 14

The mantra of Crack Tracks is simple: “We scour the Internet so you don’t have to.” Every single day we find stunning tracks that we don’t have time to post, and that can get frustrating. There are too many good artists going unnoticed on The Untz, and this series is our attempt to further put a dent in all the electronic music that continues to stream from far reaching corners of the world.

With Crack Tracks, we want to focus on artists and specific styles that aren’t getting as much attention here. This weekly series will highlight some of our favorite songs that we haven’t already covered, targeting artists releasing music more addicting than crack itself. The type of music you can’t get enough of. One hit just won't suffice. Are you ready to get high with us?

Fred V & Grafix – Forest Fires ft. Etherwood

You can’t help but shed a quick tear of joy when your two favorite drum ‘n’ bass producers collaborate on a single song. It’s an absolute miracle, and we’ve been jumping for joy ever since we heard this bad boy. “Forest Fires” is a visceral and melodic gem that combines the forward-thinking production of Fred V & Grafix and Etherwood, aptly balancing gentle guitar tones with invigorating synths while inspiring any listener. Etherwood also jumps on the vocals, putting the icing on the cake and sending us into instant nirvana. Be sure to check out all of Recognise, out now on Hospital Records.

SLUMBERJACK – Sprinter ft. Sable

Australia has mastered the art of jersey club. Honestly, were pretty convinced Jersey might actually be located somewhere down under. On this recent number, we witness fellow Perth residents SLUMBERJACK and Sable link up on an arpeggio slapping, 8-bit rumbling anthem that will knock your socks right off. Blissful is an understatement, and you can’t help but smile with each successive melody. Winter might be approaching in Australia, but you wouldn’t know it from this beauty.

Clean Bandit – Extraordinary

Clean Bandit is quickly becoming what Disclosure was in 2013. The British group struck gold with its breakout anthem “Rather Be,” currently ranking as the second highest selling single in the UK so far this year, only behind Pharrell’s “Happy.” Instead of taking in their success by hanging back and counting dollar signs, the talented newcomers are busting out fresh music with a palatable drive that has impressed music fanatics across the world. “Extraordinary” stays true to this, balancing a lighthearted, garage based sound with the dainty vocals of Sharna Bass. Have you jumped on the Clean Bandit train yet?

Just A Gent – Fortaque

The Australian takeover continues, and we couldn’t be happier. Just A Gent is a Newcastle-based teenager amassing a distinctive and finely tuned sound well beyond his years, catching the attention of artists like What So Not while steadily building up a dedicated fan base behind him. “Fortaque” takes listeners on a high-flying journey, carefully building up behind classical elements that include lush piano keys and ominous violin sections. He strikes up a balance. It’s dark at times, but the overall ambiance still feels abundantly euphoric and will be left rattling around in your head.

Motez – Promise Me

Are you ready for some feel-good vibes? The Adelaide-based producer known as Motez has mastered the ability to make people dance uncontrollably, pursuing creativity with an ambitious style that house music is currently lacking. “Promise Me” kicks off his new EP of the same name with authority, bridging spine-tingling synthesizers with chopped up vocals. Sitting will turn into dancing around your house. Doing laundry will turn into an enjoyable activity, and you might as well clean the whole house while you’re at it. Why do you think they call it house music?

M.I.A – Double Bubble Trouble (Theodor Remix)

So far we’ve strictly featured British and Australian producers, but now we’re moving over to the beautiful country of Italy. Theodor recently caught our attention when he worked with L W K Y on “Flow,” and since then we’ve been patiently waiting for more and more music from the Torino-based artist. Well, we finally got what we wanted in the form of this trap remix of M.I.A. “Double Bubble Trouble” takes on a Middle Eastern sound, kicking things open with addicting drum rolls and pursuing a bouncy feel throughout.

Is It Tomorrow – And Me

Slowing things down, we’ve got a dreamy jaunt from Is It Tomorrow that can only be described as introspective. It’s that deep thinking music, making you freeze up and explore the universe around you. The Polish producer shows an attention to detail with “And Me” that can’t be denied, pursuing an intricate sound design with each drum burst or synth flicker. His approach to fluctuation will leave listeners awestruck, switching between minimal sections where the music almost disappears and full-fledged sections where everything comes together.

Grillz – Icare

We jumped from Italy to Poland, and now the train pulls into France. Grillz isn’t messing around. The Lyon-based producer has released four songs just this week, digging into a soulful, jazzy sound that has nostalgia written all over it. “Icare” is the most recent of the bunch, spearheading his production with consistently rejuvenating spurts of guitar. Fans of Exmag will absolutely love Grillz. It’s got that instrument backed character to it that will have listeners pressing repeat over and over again, digging into its detail while studying each piece of the puzzle.

Overdo$e – Daze
Jumping straight from guitar-heavy feels of Grillz is another live number, this time coming from Overdo$e. The young Chicago resident appeared on our radar with an ethereal edit of The Weeknd, and now he’s back with “Daze.” The hazy tune pulls obvious influence from the jazz era, layering an undertone of saxophone beneath flickering and heartwarming synths that ride the beat throughout. You can’t help but feel lifted when pressing play. No need for any substances; just let the serotonin-heightening grooves of Overdo$e take you away.

Myth – VFFECTIXN

Closing things off this week is a trippy number from Myth. The duo hailing from London lefts us breathless when we first heard “VFFECTIXN,” and we’re still trying to wrap our heads around this one. The unorthodox tune strays from any noticeable flow, making its own rules while presenting a menacing yet absolutely beautiful tune. This uncanny amalgam is what makes this tune so special, leading listeners to press repeat over and over again while trying to pick apart the intricacies of their low bass tones, swirling soundscapes, and reversed vocals.